Planning Your Wine Tasting Party
Getting your wine tasting party off the ground starts with good planning. You’ll want to pick a date that works for most of your guests and send out invitations that catch their eye and get them excited. This section will guide you through these initial steps and help you choose a fun theme that sets the mood for your event!
Invitation Ideas for Wine Tasting
Think about when your guests are most likely to be free. Weekends might work best because people are usually more available and relaxed. Once you’ve got a date, it’s time to send out those invites!
When creating invitations for your wine tasting party, Canva has some seriously beautiful designs that you can quickly edit. For a more personal touch, consider handmade invitations or those printed on high-quality paper.
As for sending them out, you have a few options:
- Email: Fast and cost-effective, perfect for informal gatherings.
- Postal Mail: Adds a traditional and elegant touch.
- Social Media or Event Platforms: Great for reaching a broad audience and easy RSVP tracking.
TIP: If you need to collect RSVP’s but don’t want to pay money, use a Google Form! Send the link to your guests via email and set up the form so that it will populate all responses into a spreadsheet. This is a quick, easy, and free way to gather a guest list.
Choose the method that best suits the style of your event and your guests’ preferences.
Wine Tasting Party Theme Ideas
Choosing a theme can really make your wine tasting party stand out. Here are some wine tasting party theme ideas that will ‘WOW!’ your guests!
- Wines Around the World: Feature wines from various countries, using decorations like flags and cultural artifacts to set the scene for each region.
- Vintage Affair: Focus on wines from specific vintage years and decorate with a classic, elegant touch that recalls those times.
- Seasonal Sips: Choose wines that highlight the flavors of the season—light, floral wines in spring or robust reds in winter—and use seasonal decor.
- Color Coordination: For a visually stunning setup, pick wines based on color, such as an all-rosé night, and match your decorations to the wine hues.
- Mystery Wine Night: Have guests taste wines covered in bags or sleeves, making a game out of guessing the varietals or regions. Pair the wines with mysterious, dimly lit decor.
- The Price Is Right: Choose a variety of wines in a specific price range. Or, conduct a blind comparison of differently priced wines – i.e. very expensive vs. cheap wines.
How to Choose Wine for Your Wine Tasting Party
When planning a wine tasting party, choosing the right variety of wines is crucial. A selection of four to six different wines is recommended to offer enough diversity without overwhelming your guests’ taste buds. This section will provide strategies for picking a well-rounded assortment of wines that will complement each other and keep the tasting engaging.
If you need help choosing wines, I have had great success asking the experts at the Austin Wine Merchant, Spec’s, Central Market, and even Costco here in Austin. They can point you in the right direction and give you some recommendations for any theme you choose!
Types of Wine for Wine Tasting
Dark Wines (Reds)
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its depth and complexity, with flavors of black currant and plum. It pairs well with hearty dishes like steak and lamb.
- Merlot: Softer and less tannic than Cabernet, with rich flavors of black cherry and herbs. Ideal with dishes like grilled chicken and mushrooms.
- Pinot Noir: A lighter red with flavors of red fruit like cherry and raspberry, with earthy undertones. It pairs beautifully with salmon and poultry.
- Shiraz/Syrah: Bold and spicy with notes of blackberry and pepper. It goes well with barbecue and spicy food.
- Malbec: Rich and dark with flavors of blackberry and chocolate, making it a great match for meat-based dishes and spicy food.
Light Wines (Whites)
- Chardonnay: A versatile white wine that can be buttery and oak-aged or crisp and mineral-like. Perfect with seafood, chicken, and creamy sauces.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp, dry, and aromatic, known for its citrus-based flavors paired with herbs. Excellent with fish, cheese, and light pastas.
- Pinot Grigio: Light and crisp with flavors of lime, lemon, and green apple. Great with seafood and light salads.
- Riesling: Can be sweet or dry; flavors range from apple and pear in dry versions to sweet peach and apricot in sweet styles. Pairs well with spicy dishes and sweet desserts.
- Moscato: Sweet and lightly effervescent, often with notes of peach and orange blossom. It’s a popular choice for dessert pairings.
Rosé Wines (Pink)
- Provence Rosé: Typically very dry, light, and crisp with flavors of strawberry, rose petal, and herbs. It’s perfect for sipping on a warm day.
- White Zinfandel: A sweeter style of Rosé, often with flavors of ripe strawberries, melon, and a bit of candy. Popular for those who prefer a lighter, sweeter wine.
- Sangiovese Rosé: From Italy, this Rosé is often vibrant and a bit fuller than French Rosés, with notes of fresh cherries and crisp acidity.
- Grenache Rosé: Usually deeply flavored with berry and pepper notes, this can range from dry to slightly sweet and pairs well with a variety of foods.
- Pinot Noir Rosé: Made from Pinot Noir grapes, this type of Rosé is elegant and subtle with flavors of raspberry, cherry, and hints of flowers.
How to Choose Wine for Your Wine Tasting
Now that you are familiar with the different types of wine you can choose from, it’s time to decide which ones you actually want to let your guests sample. This all depends on you! No matter what, you definitely want to have a variety of wines. Therefore, you should have at least one dark, light, and pink wine to sample! When it comes to which kind of wine you should serve to your guests, it all depends on your budget, theme, and guest preferences.
How Much Does Wine Cost for a Wine Tasting Party?
The prices listed in the table below offer a general guideline on what you can typically expect to spend per bottle for each type of wine. While there will always be cheaper and more expensive variants available, this range helps you plan a balanced selection for your wine tasting event.
| Wine Type | Type | Price Per Bottle |
|---|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Dark (Red) | $15-$50 |
| Merlot | Dark (Red) | $10-$45 |
| Pinot Noir | Dark (Red) | $15-$50 |
| Shiraz/Syrah | Dark (Red) | $10-$40 |
| Malbec | Dark (Red) | $10-$35 |
| Chardonnay | Light (White) | $12-$50 |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Light (White) | $10-$45 |
| Pinot Grigio | Light (White) | $8-$25 |
| Riesling | Light (White) | $10-$40 |
| Moscato | Light (White) | $8-$25 |
| Provence Rosé | Rosé | $10-$30 |
| White Zinfandel | Rosé | $5-$15 |
| Sangiovese Rosé | Rosé | $12-$35 |
| Grenache Rosé | Rosé | $10-$35 |
| Pinot Noir Rosé | Rosé | $12-$40 |
Food Ideas for Wine Tasting Parties
No party is complete without food! In this section, we’ll discuss some simple wine-tasting snack ideas and hot food items you can offer your guests.
Snack Ideas for Wine Tasting Events
- Charcuterie Board: Meat and cheese are staples for wine tasting! Start with an array of cheeses and cured meats on a beautifully arranged charcuterie board. Include a variety of textures and flavors like soft brie, aged cheddar, spicy salami, and sweet prosciutto. And don’t forget the fruit!
- Olives and Pickles: Choose a mix of green and black olives, cornichons, and pickled onions to offer a variety of tangy flavors that cut through the richness of some wines. Serve in small, attractive bowls or on a shared platter with small forks or picks for easy eating.
- Hummus and Pita Bread: Spread hummus in a shallow bowl and drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with paprika or parsley. Serve with slices of pita bread arranged around the bowl.
Hot Food Ideas for Wine Tasting Events
Hot dishes add a comforting and satisfying element to your wine tasting, especially if you’re hosting in the cooler months or in the evening. Here are some warm appetizer ideas that are sure to please your guests:
- Mini Beef Wellingtons: Bite-sized versions of the classic dish, these are puff pastry wrapped around a small piece of beef tenderloin, mushroom duxelles, and sometimes a thin slice of prosciutto.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Large mushroom caps filled with a mixture of cheeses, herbs, and breadcrumbs or sausage. They’re perfect for a rich and savory bite.
- Arancini Balls: Crispy fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella cheese and perhaps a touch of basil or meat sauce. They are delightful with a tangy marinara dip.
- Chicken Satay: Skewered and grilled chicken tenders marinated in a blend of spices and served with a creamy peanut sauce.
- Spanakopita Triangles: Flaky pastry triangles filled with a delicious mix of spinach and feta cheese, offering a warm, savory flavor that pairs well with dry white wines.
- Baked Brie: A whole wheel of Brie topped with cranberry sauce or fig jam is wrapped in pastry dough and baked until golden. Serve with sliced baguette or crackers.
- Mini Quiches: These can be filled with anything from plain cheese and onion to more elaborate combinations like smoked salmon and dill. They’re great for a crowd and easy to eat while mingling.
To ensure these warm appetizers are enjoyed at their best, keep them at the proper serving temperature using chafing dishes. Chafing dishes not only maintain the warmth of your food but also add a professional touch to your display.
What Do You Need for a Wine Tasting Party?
Here is a checklist of all the supplies you might need to host a successful wine tasting party:
Furniture
- Tables for serving and seating
- Chairs for guests
Glassware
- Red wine glasses
- White wine glasses
- Sparkling wine glasses
You will need enough glasses so that each guest has a different glass for each wine they are tasting. So, if you have 10 guests who will each be tasting 4 different wines, you need 4 glasses x 10 guests = 40 glasses. Wine glasses can be easily rented, and you don’t even have to wash them!
Serving Accessories
- Decanters for red wines
- Spittoons for guests who prefer to spit wine
- Serving trays for appetizers
- Wine bottle openers
- Wine coolers for chilling white and sparkling wines
Table Settings
- Linens such as tablecloths and napkins
- Plates for snacks and appetizers
- Cutlery for any dishes requiring forks or spoons
- Napkin rings (optional for added decor)
Food Preparation and Service
- Chafing dishes to keep hot foods warm
- Coolers or ice buckets for keeping drinks cold
- Serving utensils
Decor and Atmosphere
- Centerpieces for tables
- Lighting options like string lights or candles for ambiance
- Music setup with speakers (consider a playlist that complements the mood of the tasting)
Outdoor Equipment (if applicable)
- Tents or canopies if hosting outside
- Outdoor heaters to keep guests comfortable
- Additional lighting for evening events
Wine Tasting Best Practices
If you have the opportunity before the tasting begins, consider lining up the wines in this order: bubbles, light whites, rich whites, roses, light reds, bold reds, and then dessert wines. If possible, serve the wines at the temperature they show best:
- Bubbly: 40-45 degrees
- Whites: 40-50 degrees
- Reds: 55-65 degrees.
Before starting the tasting, give guests some guidance on how to taste wine.
The following simple steps can guide them in their tasting:
- Look – Examine the color of the wine against a white background tilting the glass away from you. In red wines, look for bright and saturated color. Young reds that are going brown may be aging too quickly. Here are some other tips for examining the color of wines.
- Swirl – This will help release the aromas. After a good swirl, give the wine a deep sniff. This process can be repeated several times.
- Sip – Always take a good-sized sip in their mouths and swish it around to cover the palate. Note what it feels like – is it thin and acidic or rich and velvety?
- Savor – Draw some air between your front teeth and gargle the wine. Is the wine salty? Bitter? Sweet? Acidic?
Through this process have the guests look for aromas, flavors, texture, and weight. Is the wine clean or musty? Is it light, crisp, soft? Is the wine balanced? Does it linger on the palate or disappear the minute it leaves the mouth? Make sure to allow everyone enough time to taste each wine and take a few notes. Then, discuss the various wines, sharing tasting notes and likes and dislikes. I recommend doing a little research on each wine ahead of time to understand its properties. This will help guide the discussion.
You may also want to vote on favorites. This can be especially fun in a blind tasting before revealing the labels.
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